“… the Holy Churches unceasingly remind us of the presence of God and our duties to the faith …”

 

 

    Hundreds of believers filled the holy Church of the Forty Saints Martyrs in Aliko, a village in the area of Vurgu, to take part in the worship activities for the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In their midst was the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, His Beatitude Anastasios, who along with the Metropolitan of Gjirakastra, His Eminence Demetrius and the Bishop of Amantia, His Grace Nathanael, conducted the Service of Consecration followed by the Divine Liturgy.

    In his address, the Archbishop spoke to the believers about, among other things, the work that has been developed by our Church in the spiritual sector, in building churches and other auxiliary buildings, and the development of its social and philanthropic work, etc.

    In the case of the consecration of this very beautiful church of the Forty Saints, the Archbishop spoke about the importance of the Orthodox church (Temple), as an epicenter of the parish of believers and their spiritual life. With Orthodoxy comes truth, love and beauty. These three aspects are symbolized in the best way in Orthodox temple, where culture is also promoted. The buildings of Christian worship, which have prevailed throughout the years of rebuilding of our Church, in cities and villages, are also architectural ornaments, as well as cultural centers for the community of believers. In his words, His Beatitude urged the believers of Aliko to show greater care for their new church and especially to fill it with their prayers and with intense participation in worship services; to turn it into a center of love for God, but also for man – for their brother.

    The Holy Church of the Forty Saints in Aliko was built with the initiative and funds of Archbishop Anastasios, during the period 2006-2009. It is a very beautiful church with a dome, and with an elevated bell tower and a yard that constitutes a beautiful plaza for the community. On the ground floor of the church there are facilities for the operation of a parish spiritual center, with a multifunctional hall for events etc.

 

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    Upon completion of the Divine Liturgy, in the church courtyard that had just been consecrated and was packed by believers, the local authority organized the ceremony of conveying on Archbishop Anastasios the title “Honorary Citizen” of the Municipality of Aliko, as an expression of thanks and gratitude of all the residents of the area for everything that he has done to rebuild from the ruins of the communist destruction of the Orthodox Church in Albania, but also specifically for what has been done in the villages and parishes of the area. The Archbishop greeted the Mayor, Mr. Kristo Kaishi, who bestowed the title. The Archbishop also greeted on this occasion the Parliament and local regional Deputy , Mr. Vangel Dule.

    Archbishop Anastasios thanked the Municipal Council for this gesture, and also for the warm words of love that were spoken. He stressed that the most important thing that has happened during these twenty-three years is the fact that he stood by the people, together with the Orthodox flock, understanding their joys and sorrows, sharing with love everything that he had, with respect for the dignity of every person.

 

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    On Sunday, August 17, Archbishop Anastasios, together with the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, His Grace Demetrius will perform the Consecration of the Church of the Annunciation of Theotokos, that stands at the center of the town of Këlcyra. This church was built by the Archbishop in the early years of 1994-1996 and is a type of basilica with a dome and bell tower. It was built on church property and since then uninterrupted Liturgies have been performed. Next to it there is also a spiritual parish center.

 

(Gjirokastër, August 15, 2014)

Photo: Deacon Stephanos Ritsi

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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